Liquid Mind XV: In The Love BY Liquid Mind

 

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love

BY

Liquid Mind

Written by

Steve Sheppard

 

When I first landed in the genre of new age music back in 1998, I filled my day with many British composers of that time, as you would expect coming from one born in England, however I came into contact with a more knowledgeable person on the subject at that moment than I, and he gave me an album in 2004 that I would carry with me today called Liquid Mind! Ambience Minimus, by non-other than the amazing Chuck Wild, stating if I wanted to hear one of the finest examples of new age music there is, then I needed to start here, with Liquid Mind, and so I did, and some 21 years later I get another opportunity to write about another stunning album from him called Liquid Mind XV: In The Love.

As with all of Chuck’s albums over the years, each and every one offers the listener much peace and tranquillity. Liquid Mind has been described by the composer himself, as being a weaving of the classical and the more popular music of the day, and with images of Brian Eno and Beethoven forever entwined is a fascinating portrait indeed, but in truth this is very true, and it can be found on the opening piece of the album entitled Gratitude, for me this delightful composition is a drift into a repose so idyllic, and personally has elements of Vaughn Williams and Antonín Dvořák written into the tapestry of the arrangement.

We move into the welcome arms of Soul Whispers, here lays a track that is so calming in its perfection, one can only ponder on the fact that time has slowed down now, that the breathing has eased, and the heart rate in balanced, and tranquillity abounds in all its illustrious pleasure, this is without doubt eight plus minutes of musical bliss, all rolled into one arrangement you never want to end.

Synths, keyboards and the correct tempo and presentation of performance that complement the creation, are vital elements of composing truly good ambient, new age music, here on this next track the artist embodies that with utter perfection on the piece Sanctuary. All those aforementioned instrumentations and exhibitions can be found on this next glorious long form opus, truly good long form narratives keep the listener in a state of awareness, yet partnered with a willingness to listen and just be, here on Sanctuary Wild achieves that goal with aplomb, its 11 minutes plus that you will be more than happy to enjoy over and over again.

We can now step into the second half of the album with the creation called A Willing Spirit. This is the shortest composition on the album at a comfortable 4 and a half minutes plus, but there is more than enough time here to continue this journey of serenity and stillness, here is a track that I like to call tidal music, the ebb and flow of the timbre of this manifestation is so similar in speed and tempo to our ambient oceans here in Cyprus, as they drift up upon the sandy beaches, kiss them, and say farewell for a few heart felt moments.

It is now time to allow another long form manifestation to wash over you, this time through the medium of the composition called In The Love. These delicious tones are the very embodiment of a musical caress, and if when listening to this arrangement you feel yourself start to drift into a beautiful slumber, please do so, the music will continue to play, and you will feel so much better, much more relaxed and soothed by this blessed warm hug of a creation.

The penultimate offering is entitled Forgiveness, Wild has created a perfect moment here that lifts the listener carefully and attentively, whilst allowing the recipient to hold onto the calmness and serenity that they have thus far connected with. Forgiveness is one of the most important aspects of growth as a human being, along with letting go, and here Wild expresses that mood and more on a track that may well bring forth the emotions to be cleared, but done in such a caring and beautiful way.

With the talk at the start of the review of classical inspirations within the artists music, and my preferences of that genre, we arrive at the last track of the release called Coming Home, a piece that reminded me of Dvorak’s Going Home or Largo theme at times, but a track that literally sums up the entire album in just short of eight magical minutes, through the voyage of this tonal delight one truly does feel like they have arrived back home with lessons learned, but one has to truly emphasize the magnificence of peace and harmony one feels when listening to this incredible work, the uplifting nature of this track is so very palpable, and in all honesty, deeply moving and emotive too, what a sublime end to another fantastic album by Liquid Mind.

Liquid Mind XV: In The Love by Liquid Mind now takes me to a 21 year musical journey with the composer, one can only hope that voyage continues with optimism and hopefulness, but there can be no doubt of the effect this artists work has had on my life, and this new album is yet another layer of tone that has now been weaved into that ever growing tapestry of musical mastery. With the new age music scene on the rise once again, I have a feeling that is so empowered by listening to this album, that Liquid Mind XV: In The Love by Liquid Mind is going to grace the top of the charts and become a musical beacon of hope for all to enjoy and benefit from.